Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Eclipse
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the verb "transcend". In academic and literary English, "to transcend" usually means to rise above, surpass, or go beyond normal limits. The question asks you to select the word that is closest in meaning among the options, all of which are verbs but express different kinds of actions or outcomes.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The main concept is semantic similarity between verbs. "Transcend" implies going beyond ordinary boundaries or surpassing something in quality, importance, or degree. We must identify which option carries a similar sense of outshining or exceeding, rather than failure or mistake. Careful attention to the typical context of each verb is necessary to avoid confusion.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "transcend". It means to go beyond the usual limits, or to surpass something, such as "transcend expectations".Step 2: Examine "Eclipse". As a verb, beyond the astronomical sense, it means to overshadow or outshine, often by being much better or more impressive. For example, "Her performance eclipsed all others."Step 3: Examine "Fizzle". This means to fail, especially in a weak or disappointing way, for example "the plan fizzled out". It is the opposite of surpassing.Step 4: Examine "Abort". This means to stop something before completion, usually due to problems or risks. It suggests failure to continue, not going beyond limits.Step 5: Examine "Blunder". This means to make a serious mistake, especially through carelessness. This again is negative and does not match the idea of rising above.Step 6: Conclude that "Eclipse" is the only option that matches the idea of surpassing or outshining something.
Verification / Alternative check:
Compare example sentences. "His achievement transcended all expectations" can be rephrased as "His achievement eclipsed all expectations" to convey a similar sense of surpassing them. In contrast, "His achievement fizzled all expectations" or "blundered all expectations" does not make sense. Also, "The film transcended its genre" is comparable to "The film eclipsed other films in its genre", reinforcing the connection between "transcend" and "eclipse".
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may misinterpret "eclipse" only in its astronomical sense (the moon eclipsing the sun) and overlook its figurative use in everyday English. Another pitfall is choosing a verb that seems sophisticated without checking its exact meaning. To avoid such errors, always link words to simple example sentences and check whether the substitution preserves overall meaning and tone.
Final Answer:
The correct synonym of "transcend" among the given options is "Eclipse".
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